In this news alert:

SINGAPORE: Upcoming Measures to Promote Fair Hiring

The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced several measures intended to strengthen fair hiring practices.

Effective 1 May 2020, MOM will expand the requirement to advertise positions before applying for an Employment Pass to include positions paying up to SGD 20,000 (currently, positions paying SGD 15,000 and above are exempt).

Also effective 1 May 2020, MOM will raise the minimum qualifying salary for initial Employment Pass (EP) applications from SGD 3600 to SGD 3900 per month. Older and more experience candidates need to earn more. The new salary criteria will apply to renewal applications from 1 May 2021.

Effective 1 July 2020, MOM will raise the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) threshold from SGD 1300 to SGD 1400. The LQS determines whether a local worker counts towards a company’s S Pass and Work Permit quota.

Our Advice

Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.